Emiliano Martinez has revealed that he had several options to leave Arsenal this summer - but stayed because he wants to fight Bernd Leno for the No.1 shirt.

The Argentine goalkeeper, 27, impressed on loan at Championship outfit Reading last season, having previously had temporary stints with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and Getafe.

And following the retirement of Petr Cech at the end of last season, second-choice Martinez has been given assurances by manager Unai Emery that he will get run outs in cup competitions this campaign.

However the shot-stopper doesn't want to settle for a bit-part role and believes he is more than capable of become first-choice at the Emirates.

Emiliano Martinez featured for Arsenal during pre-season (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Speaking to the Arsenal En América podcast , Martinez said, “I had a great season on loan at Reading and had offers to leave Arsenal. I wanted to play, it was going to be my priority.

“After nine years without much rhythm I wanted to leave, but I got the news that I was going to play more games and I decided to stay to try to be No.1.

“I am very prepared. If I didn’t believe myself capable of taking that position, I wouldn’t have stayed.

Bernd Leno is the No.1 goalkeeper at Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

“Last year Petr Cech began as a starter and Bernd Leno played in the cups. But this year Leno starts No.1 and I’m going to play in those competitions.

“We both play very well with our feet. Our coach tells everyone that we are one more player and told us that we are one of the best keepers who play with the feet he had, that it’s very important for his game system.

“Leno has more professional matches than me, but in qualities I am equal to or better than him.”